JUST IN: UK general election to hold July 4 — Rishi Sunak

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the general election will be held on 4th July, 2024.

This announcement follows a day filled with intense speculation in Westminster.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron abruptly ended his trip to Albania, and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps postponed his overseas trip to attend a cabinet meeting.

During a session in the Commons this afternoon, the SNP’s Westminster leader challenged Sunak, asking if he was “feart” (scared) of holding an election.

Sunak responded by confirming that the election would indeed take place in the second half of the year.

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He said, “Earlier today I spoke with his majesty the King to ask for the dissolution of Parliament. The King has granted this request, and we will have a general election on the 4th of July.” said Sunak, speaking during a news conference outside Downing Street.

Sunak’s ruling Conservative Party had been hoping for signs of an improving economic environment as it lags in the polls ahead of the national election.

“Economic stability is the bedrock of any future success,” said Sunak. “And because of our collective sacrifice and your hard work, we have reached two major milestones in delivering that stability.”

He qualified that the U.K. economy is now growing faster than anyone expected.

More updates to follow…